This article was originally published in EdTech Magazine on 02/11/26 By Didi Gluck.
As ransomware and phishing attacks become more sophisticated, districts can no longer rely solely on perimeter security.
Cyber security A top priority for K-12 districts has become not only keeping students safe online but ensuring continuity across devices, systems and end user accounts. At the same time, many K-12 districts are facing budget shortfalls, limited staff, and technology experts who are under constant pressure. do more with less.
Given that environment, what is the minimum viable cybersecurity setup a district really needs today?
According to Charlie Sander, President and CEO of managed methodsThe answer has changed dramatically in recent years. And unfortunately, many districts have not caught on.
Minimum Viable Cybersecurity Starts in the Cloud
sander says, “The minimum viable cybersecurity minimum for all organizations and industries has fundamentally changed, and K-12 is no exception.” Two forces are driving that change: broad action cloud computing and progress is being made rapidly artificial intelligence.
“Most districts rely solely on their firewalls and vendor-provided, native admin tools to secure their data in the cloud. These technologies were not designed to adequately protect the cloud layer.”
Charlie Sander, CEO, ManagedMethods
For school districts, cloud platforms such as Google Workspace for Education And Microsoft 365 Now he is at the center of almost everything from direction and communications to finance, operations and even building security. Yet many districts are still securing those environments as if they were on-premises systems.
sander says, “The biggest thing I see where districts create the most risk is their cloud data risk management and security.” “Security at the cloud layer is now the minimum viable cyber security. Full stop.”
Why is perimeter security no longer enough?
Historically, districts have relied on network firewallSecure email gateway and vendor provided admin tools. But those protections were never designed to fully protect cloud-based environments.
Sander explains, “Most districts are relying solely on their firewalls and vendor-provided, native admin tools to secure their data in the cloud.” “These technologies were not designed to adequately protect the cloud layer.”
And the consequences can be serious sensitive information – Including student records, health data, individualized education programs and employee Social Security numbers – now routinely stored and shared cloud applicationsThere is often limited visibility into how it is accessed or used…
Post EdTech Magazine | What minimum viable cybersecurity looks like for K-12 districts first appeared on Managed Ways for K-12 Cybersecurity, Security, and Compliance.
***This is a syndicated blog of the Security Bloggers Network Managed Ways for K-12 Cybersecurity, Security, and Compliance Author charlie sander. Read the original post here: https://mangedmethods.com/blog/in-the-news-edtech-magazine-minimum-viable-cybersecurity/